ICPC arraigns ex-Kogi commissioner for N35.5m fraud

The Independent Corrupt Practices and other related Offences Commission has arraigned a former Commissioner for Agriculture in Kogi State, Zaccheaus Atte, on eight counts bordering on financial impropriety.

The commission stated that Atte was culpable in an alleged N35.5m fraud, adding that the offence was contrary to Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.

The arraignment, which took place at the High Court in Okene, saw the trial judge, Justice Josiah Joe Majebi, explaining the procedure of the trial to the accused person and asking him whether he understood the charges preferred against him or not.

When the counts were read to him, Atte pleaded not guilty.

The counts against the accused included that he used his office as the Commissioner for Agriculture in Kogi State to convert the sum of N11, 937, 000 under the pretext of purchasing and distributing 200, 000 palm seedlings to Kogi State oil palm farmers in February, 2015, among others.

The prosecution counsel did not oppose the bail application, but the trial judge observed that because the motion was not dated, it was not ripe for hearing.

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